Dension Files
Download the Dension firmware files here. As I get new files sent to me, I’ll add them to this list.
Configuration Files:
Firmware Files
ice_link_all_updates.zip (4.1Mb)
Newer firmware files found over at www.tomtek.de Note that some of these are .exe. files for a PC, not Mac friendly .zip files.
More information about the above files is available (in German) from www.tomtek.de.
More configuration files, sent to me by other readers:
Version 4 of the configuration files
Some basic info:
I have not personally installed or used any update beyond v2.05.
Check out the Dension Support now, as HackMyCar and others seem to have disappeared, replaced by an altogether better Dension support system.
http://support.dension.com/support-center/index.php
Of these, the Knowledge base seems to have most of the answers to questions for older systems (like mine) and the downloads are now listed in a useful matrix to help you find the right one. Check here: http://www.dension.com/dension_apple_matrix.html
February 6th, 2007 at 7:06 am
I have a Toyota Corolla and am not sure which firmware update is right for me. Currently, the ID3 Text display is a little buggy and I was hoping that updating the firmware would solve my problems. I think I am running V23c10. Thats what it says when I bootup the Icelink.
February 6th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
It’s been a very long time since I last used my ICE>Link – I am not sure I’ll be the best person to ask about this now. For what it’s worth, you need to check out the Dension web site to see what the latest version that they recommend actually is, then load that in. After that, get the correct config file for your head unit. This is likely to be the harder job, IMO – is your unit a Toyota model or something else? I have an Audi which had a factory fit unit – I used the Audi config files with no problem. However, the unit was in fact a blaupunkt model, but you’d only use the config for that if it was an after market fit.
March 26th, 2007 at 5:37 pm
Did you manage to work out which version for a corolla? I understand what you mean about the dension support site now!
April 5th, 2007 at 10:02 pm
Sorry James – best I can do is to suggest that you try the next firmware version in sequence. As far as I can tell the latest version should work with just about every car, it is the config files that need to be specific to a particular make/model. Check the very first item in the list above – that should give you all of the config files that I currently have.
July 27th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
Hi. You might like to warn readers to beware with firmware. At some point I managed to load a firmware version which shows up as “C.10″. Since then, the device no longer offers a firmware update option in the menus. It seems that I’m stuck with this firmware with no way out.
July 27th, 2007 at 8:32 pm
That sounds pretty dodgy to me – all of the updates I have done in the past have always been OK. All you do (as I recall) is use the iPod interface to navigate to the correct file and play it, then place the iPod in the cradle (or plug it in to the cable) sharpish. It then switches to the update screen.
I have also started it from within the cradle and it has worked as well.
July 27th, 2007 at 9:12 pm
Thanks for that confirmation.
If I try to trigger the update (by playing the Start Update file) in iPod interface mode, it just plays the whole track (which is at the end of the playlist) and then goes on to whatever it would otherwise do next.
If I try to trigger the update in IceLink mode – i.e. by starting the track, then connecting the iPod to the cradle – it starts up the Dension interface, and then starts playing the very first track on the iPod after a little stutter.
Obviously, something’s not right here. I think it’s that C.10 firmware – the other versions all had Update Firmware menu items.
September 6th, 2007 at 8:02 am
I tried to update my Ice Link Plus to 2.15 which failed, now when I connect to my Blaupunkt Valencia it does not recognise as a changer only and Aux1. this means I dont get the dension screen on the ipod and am unable to access the update menu. Is there another way to update the Ice link?
September 16th, 2007 at 6:44 am
Do you mean can you update manually without using the Dension menu? Yes you can. These details are from the Dension knowledge base:
Follow the steps below to update firmware when menu is not available:
• Delete previous update files and reset iPod.
• Copy the update package to iPod (cca 750 files).
• Copy the Start_Update.mp3 onto iPod.
• Disconnect iPod from PC.
• Power on the car radio and change source to ice>Link (CD changer).
• Select Browse/Genres/_config/Menu/Update/Start_Update song and play it on iPod.
• While playing, insert iPod into the cradle or connect the dock cable; update process will start automatically.
After about 5 minutes, ice>Link will restart with the new firmware.
• While displaying “Dont browse..” message you can check version number in the top right corner of the screen.
Check the knowledge base at:
http://support.dension.com/support-center/index.php?x=&mod_id=2&root=8
September 16th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
What is in the “update package” referred to in step 2 on Dension’s page at:
- is it just an appropriate set of firmware files, like the ones you list on this page?
Whatever it is, it’s no longer available from Dension at that address.
September 17th, 2007 at 7:33 am
As far as I know it is just the firmware files, but it might also include a guide on how to update if the Dension menu isn’t available… see the previous comment above!
September 17th, 2007 at 7:42 am
Hi Hal
Tried this used 2.15 update instead of the update package as its not available still no luck, this is how I tried.
Downloaded 2.15 restored Ipod to factory settings, copied 2.15 to ipod, ran Start update and placed in cradle this only ran itself didnt run any of the update files, tried by running the update files still no joy. Not sure if I am doing something wrong here or if the unit is FUBAR.
September 17th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
Hi guys,
THis same thing has happened to me, Upgraded to 2.15 update went fine, but version showed as C.10. Since then the unit is not recognised at all, and any update or ‘start update’ MP3s just play to the end and nothing happens.
I think my unit may be FUBAR as well!! If you have any ideas though hey would be greatly appreciated!
November 9th, 2007 at 5:54 am
Well I’m in the same boat. I tried to upgrade mine from 2.10 to 2.15 and it would cycle through the whole deal over and over again until I manually stop it and remove the ipod. And it still remains at 2.10. Finally did it again and this time it appears to be bricked. I can still switch to a the unit as a “changer” in my Audi, but plugging in the ipod it does not switch to the Dension menu, just a big check mark saying it can be removed at any time. The radio just sits as if playing track 98 with no audio and no function. Does anyone know how to reset or reflash the icelink plus when in this state?
November 15th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
Hi,
I bought an IceLink Plus for Toyota. The device was working well, but I installed firmware update V3.T5 and the TEXT display doesn’t work yet on my Corolla. Is it possible to install an old firmware to solve this gap? Where can I found the download?
Rgds
November 15th, 2007 at 6:05 pm
All the downloads I have got are above… and I’m afraid all I can do at the moment is point you to Dension’s support site. I’ve not installed any firmware beyond 2.05 on my iPod before… and I’ve removed that now.
December 15th, 2007 at 5:53 pm
Tried to install 2.15 on my VW icelink plus from 2.06. bricked it. I’d recommend what i’ve often been told: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
January 7th, 2008 at 2:06 am
RFBakeruk, spencerjoel , Aluke – did any of you manage to resolve the problem you were all having? Did you find a way to reset Ice>Link or revert to your old firmware? I am in the same situation. I upgraded the firmware to 2.15, and not the Ice>Link interface will not appear at all. The iPod always gives just the normal iPod user interface. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
January 7th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Yes, Dension sent me another file to flash it with (I believe it is specific for Audi) and behold it took. It is working again.
I believe they have the core firmware for each auto manufacturer, and then updates are generic.
January 7th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Really!! Would you be able to send me that file? or let me know how to get it from dension.
Thanks
My email is – info@homerecordingtips.co.uk
January 8th, 2008 at 2:13 am
me too please!! halmaclean (at) ronklopfer (dot) com. Many thanks in advance.
January 8th, 2008 at 11:36 am
If you could send to me also that would be great, many thanks. rfbaker@btinternet.com.
January 8th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
I’ll send the file I used to you three fellows directly.
Let this forum know if it works for you.
Maybe post what year and model of car you are using it with so we can confirm what cars the file works for and what it does not.
February 4th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Hi,
Can anyone help please? I have a Becker Mexico Pro, Icelink Plus and 30GB Photo. I think the firmware in the Icelink is 2.02. The HU will play the first five playlists and will play all of the tracks on the ipod, but the menus don’t work correctly, the Ipod display is tiny and text is not displayed on the HU.
Can anyone recommend which firmware to load on the Icelink plus please?
Thanks
February 9th, 2008 at 4:44 am
Hi,
I have a 5G ipod and an Ice Link Plus in a 2000 honda accord. The Ice Link firmware is 2.11. When it is working, it works great, but it often takes an annoyingly long time for the head unit to find the dension device, as well as, other varied versions of bad communication between the ipod and head unit. I have been trying to update the firmware to 2.15 and more recently to 2.18 (just posted on the Dension Site), but the update doesn’t take. Whenever I play the start update file, all that happens is the ipod begins to play every song on the ipod in alphabetical order by Artist Name. Has anybody had this happen?? What does it mean? Dension has stopped answering my questions. I have tried various experiments – the ipod does the same thing when you play start update whether the rest of the update files are in the ipod or not. So my best guess is the start update file just makes the ipod play a playlist of songs by artist name….but are they expecting the update files to be first in the list for some reason? On this premise, I tried playing a playlist of the update files. That hasn’t worked either. After it plays them, it goes to the Dension UI Menu – it never turns off and reboots – the version number never changes. There are alot of little variations I could go into, but that is the gist of what happens most often when I try. Does anybody have any thoughts on what could be wrong or what else I can try?
Thanks
February 9th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Hi,
i have just bought an ICE LINK Plus with a videocable for a BMW E46 2002 with the business navigation radio..
On the icelink stands V4R5-30. I want to connect a ipod touch with the cradle.
Which firmware is the newes or best for this combination ?
Thanks regards Willi
February 9th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Dr Robin – I haven’t used anything beyond a 3rd gen iPod so I am less use to you.Hpefull someone else here will have an idea…
February 9th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Shanc21 – have you tried removing all music from your iPod, re-setting it and loading ONLY the update files (there should be a hundred or so very small files)?
If these are the only things on the iPod, maybe it will run them as it should… just a guess, but worth a try, I’d think.
February 9th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Willi – as above – I’ve not used anything beyond a 3rd Gen iPod… sorry!
February 10th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Hi,
Thanks for the answer. I have loaded 2.06 and find that it works ok, but the Ipod works best in Ipod UI mode. I still get some control from the head unit, but of course no titles or text on the HU. I am going to try 2.10 and see what happens. After that I might try 2.15 but given the points made by other users, it looks dodgy.
Shanc21 – I followed the update procedure mentioned above (http://www.halmaclean.co.uk/_files/iceLink/iceLink_Plus_Update_Guide.pdf) when updating. Simply copying the files to the Ipod may well not work since this procedure creates a playlist and then [probably] calls this playlist. It also appears to change the name of all the files. I used the start update file as my menu doesn’t appear to work correctly.
I am going to try 2.10 and then maybe 2.15 on an Icelink Plus with Becker HU, I will let you know how I get on.
DrRobin.
February 10th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Hi,
Thanks for the ideas. I am going to try deleting everything from the ipod except the update files next. I had thought of that but was hoping to avoid it just because I manage my music manually instead of just letting itunes sync. I have more in Itunes than I do in my ipod and I like it that way – so it may be a pain to get it back that way if I delete everything. But if it works, it will be worth it. Dr. Robin, I did use the procedure in the pdf you mentioned to get the files into itunes. Those instructions were certainly much better than the ones provided by dension. My dension menu doesn’t have an update option though so I have been using the start update file as well. I will report back and let y’all know if it worked.
Thanks
February 10th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Hi Shanc,
I have totally failed to update beyond 2.06, it just does what you have reported. I updated to 2.06 from 2.01 by following the procedure in the pdf, but by using the same procedure to update to 2.10 or 2.15 it just fails using the Start_Update. Additionally using the menu, which works in 2.06, reports nothing to upgrade. I think I might try upgrading 2.07… 08… 09… etc to see how far I can get?
However, 2.06 does work ok, but it is best using Ipod UI, the audio is good and selection (thru the Ipod) works fine, the Becker HU can be used to select the next track and my missus likes it, so thanks everyone. If I can move the thread forwards I will add, other wise good luck everyone.
Cheers
DrRobin
February 11th, 2008 at 12:41 am
Hey,
It worked!! I now have 2.18 installed. Removing all the files except for the updates and using “start update” worked. I am not yet sure if this actually solved all the communication issues but at least it’s installed. One thing that is different is the disc 6 button now just toggles between the denision UI and the IPOD UI instead of having to go through the very slow menu. The toggle is much quicker, so that at least is better so far. Thanks for the suggestions.
Shanc21
February 11th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Fantastic Shanc21 – well done. What steps did you go through? The more info the better…!
February 11th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Hi,
Apparently, they fixed the ‘Flash Write’ in version 2.07, which might explain why I couldn’t upgrade from 2.06 to 2.10. I will try 2.07 tomorrow night.
Shanc, where did you obtain 2.18 from please?
DrRobin
February 12th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Hi,
I have failed to upload beyond 2.06. The Icelink + just plays the track or goes to the first track when you try start_update. It doesn’t find any new firmware from the update menu either. I haven’t tried removing everything off my Ipod, I have decided not to do this due to the amount of effort of reloading all the tracks, so looks like I am stuck with Ver 2.06, which works sort of ok.
Good luck to everyone else.
DrRobin
February 12th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
I got 2.18 from the Dension website. It apparently has just been posted as of Feb. 6, 2008. The link is here:
http://www.dension.com/dension_apple_matrix.html
There is a chart that tells which ipods it is compatible with and there also is a technical support bullitin that gives car makes as well. I am a bit confused by the two though, because from the chart, I thought 2.18 was compatible with 5G ipod but now looking closer at the bullitin, I’m not sure it is actually reccomended. In fact, it has not really helped my communication issues now that I’ve had a few days to play with it. So I think I am going to try and load 2.15 (which I had never succeeded in doing – I went from 2.11 to 2.18). I am hoping that the method that worked to load 2.18 will work for 2.15.
February 13th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Hi,
I have seen this chart before but didn’t notice the drop down arrow and firmware, thanks. One other thing I have noticed is that my Ipod is a 5G ver 1.2.1. The chart says 1.2.3. I wonder if I should upgrade? I think I will check on the Apple boards as I thought 1.2.3 had some problems.
Cheers
DrRobin
February 15th, 2008 at 7:46 am
Hi!
I also tried to update my Ice>Link Plus to latest firmware 2.18, using the manual update with Start_Update.mp3, but this does not worked…
Then I tried to clean my iPod and let only the update files with the UPDATE playlist like shanc21 did, but still nothing, Start_Update.mp3 is played and nothing more happens when the file stops playing…
The Ice>Link Plus still plays the songs on my iPod, but the head unit controls are now ignoerd when I want to go to previous/next song, I a cannot get back to the Dension UI on my iPod !
Has anyone any idea ?
ybou
February 18th, 2008 at 2:13 am
Hi,
I tried to post how I got the update to load step by step a few days ago, but the site didn’t seem to want to accept my post. I hope it will work today.
Ybou – I do think you have to be in Dension UI mode rather than Ipod UI mode. I experimented both ways, and it only ever worked in Dension UI mode. Part of the problems I was having was communication between dension and the head unit, so when I was ready to do the update, I first inserted the Ipod into the cradle, and selected CD changer – just to see if it was going to connect. Once I saw the little check screen meaning it was connected – I pulled it back out, started playing the “start-update” file, and then stuck it back in the cradle – usually if it had connected just before, it would connect again. Whenever it worked, it gave a screen fairly quickly that said “loading update – do not disconnect ipod (~5 min)” or something similar. Sometimes when I got that message at the beginning, the update still ultimately didn’t install. You may have to try more than once before you get it to work (I did anyway). I’m going to try and post this now.
February 18th, 2008 at 2:34 am
Well, since that worked, I will post again. Since the 2.18 firmware didn’t fix my problems, I tried to backtrack and load the 2.15 firmware (Honda Accord Factory radio and 5g ipod). I had been corresponding with Dension techsupport and they had sent me the 2.15 firmware, but I previously had not ever gotten it to load. So I tried it again by taking everything off the ipod, like already discussed. Eventually it worked and loaded, but oddly, once loaded, it said it was 2.17. Anyway, it has fixed some of the problems but not all. I guess it may be the best it is going to get though. The remaining problem is getting the head unit to consistently find and connect to the dension device when cd changer is selected – sometimes it just doesn’t find it, and sometimes there is a long delay before it does. Anybody have that problem?? if so did firmware ever fix it, or was it something else? Mr. McLean – if you would like this 2.17 firmware for your site, I’ll be happy to send it to you – just let me know. Thanks for hosting this site. .
shanc21
February 18th, 2008 at 8:00 am
Thanks for that detailed reply Shanc21 – sorry about the posting issues (an update to wordpress seems to have fixed it).
Yes please! I would happily host the file on the site here. Just send it over to me at hal (dot) maclean (at) mac (dot) com, along with any other versions not already listed.
It seems that Dension are getting their act together far more these days regarding support, but I don’t think you can beat users supporting each other for the older versions and some of the more tricky issues. This site will remain as a resource for al Dension users!
February 18th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
I have discovered that my communication problems don’t happen when the ingnition key is in the “accessory” position, or in the “on” position with the car not running – The device works perfectly in these cases. As soon as I actually crank the car, I lose connection – If I switch the car off and the key back to accessory – I immediately regain connection. What on earth could this mean? I just took the dashboard apart – the cables are all connected well – moving the cable out of the proximity of other nearby cables doesn’t seem to change anything (I was thinking maybe interference of some kind was an issue). The only other thing I can think to try is moving the location of the cradle – right now it is very near the ignition on the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel – but disassembling the cradle is proving trickier than I expected. Could the ignition/steering wheel area cause any kind of interference with the cradle? It doesn’t always not work when the car is running, but is just inconsistent. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Shanc21
March 8th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Just to let you guys know that I’ve downloaded the latest BMW firmware from Dension (2-B5) for iPhone compatibility and it’s brilliant with full touch control of the iPhone in the Dension cradle by my steering wheel and sweet fading out of music when a call comes in via Bluetooth for handsfree calling. Brilliant integration!
March 22nd, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Hi,
problems again. I have a BMW e46 and a icelink +. I just tried to update to fw v2.B5, but it doesnt work. I turn on the radio, choose the cd changer an then put the started ipod touch in the cradle. I ve already started the playlist with the files. ( other mp3s are not on the ipod )
I cant see a menue on the ipod or the firmwareversion.
When i connect the ipod on the dispaly the following appears.
ZUBEHÖR angeschlossen, accessory or equipment connected
On the icelink stands V4R5-30
With the installed firmware, the ipod doesnt work fine. It plays, interrupts plays interrupts and so on. Even when i turn on more volume it stops interrupts …..
Mark, you have the same firmware. Can you please help me to get the firmware onto my ipod touch ??
March 22nd, 2008 at 7:50 pm
The only thing i havn’n done, i didnt swap the cables from the original connector with these from the dension. i only changed the original with the one from the icelink.
I have a business navi radio E46 17 round pins.
thanks Willi
March 23rd, 2008 at 10:31 am
Willi – the German message you are seeing translates to ‘Acessories Attached’, but as to why it isn’t running the update, I don’t know. Hopefully Mark will come back and give some insight as to how he did things with his iPhone, which is very similar to the iPod touch.
Have you tried contacting Dension over this one?
March 23rd, 2008 at 10:58 am
Hi Hal,
yes, i ve contact Dension.I tried the update by dension installation guide. When i copy the update m3u file, itunes says this is no compatible file for ipod.
So i created a new playlist, and then coppied all files incl. the m3u file to this playlist.
But then all files change their names.
update.m3u becomes _Startupdate____________A0:=01
Is here something going wrong ??
Thanks
March 23rd, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Hi Hal,
i solved a bit of the problem. I installed the V4 firmware on the icelink, and now i can play the songs from zhe Ipod.
The only problem i have, i can’t get to the icelink menue, because the cd 6 doesn’t work. I can only use the button to play the next song, and the different playlists.
Any idea to get to the menue ??
Greets Willi
March 28th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
the problem I have had before with updating ice link firmware is getting it to play. The only way round it has been to make a playlist in itunes with the firmware files, then set the ipod (i use my sons empty ipod mini!) to sync ONLY that playlist so there is no other music on it. That way it will play the update file although it sometimes needs to be done twice as it freezes half way through.
With the latest iPhone firmware what you lose (the icelink menu is gone) is amply made up for by controlling the phone/ipod by touch and allowing it to be used with your bluetooth handsfree. If a call comes in the music fades out etc
April 3rd, 2008 at 11:37 am
OK, so I’ve been following all this, trying to get my iceLink to work in my 04 MDX w/Nav. Apparently last night, I managed to brick my iceLink by clearing the config. But I can’t find a config file for Acura anywhere? Anyone know how to get the iceLink back?
April 10th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Hello!
I have the following problem. I made an 2.b5 update. It took me about 25 minutes. After that iceLink didn’t restart. I reset the power. And now my iPod classic doesn’t connect to iceLink. Please, be so kind and tell me how to repair device and to connect iPod to ice Link.
Sincerely,
Valery
April 10th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Melissa, I’m not sure what an Acura is (a US car??), all the ice-link files are here http://www.dension.com/dension_apple_matrix.html
Valery unplug ice-link from power for a minute so it completely resets, then try the update again, preferably on an ipod with no music on it, just update files
April 11th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Hello!
I’ve tried to update iceLink as you said, but it seems to me that it doesn’t work. Update lasts about 40 minutes, after that iPod doesn’t connect to my iceLink. Is there any chance to solve the problem and how much time does it take to update iceLink normally?
May 6th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
i’ve been trying to update my ice>link to 2.18 with little luck as well, i dragged the directory directly to my ipod in itunes, which then copied all of the files except for the playlist file. when i tried to run the update my headunit kept switching on and off and selecting various tracks up to a point where the headunit stayed off. after a 10 minute wait i tried accessing my ipod as the update obviously didn’t work, and then my headunit wouldn’t see the ice>link, for a moment i thought i had bricked it, but after disconnecting and reconnecting the ice>link and power to the headunit i got it back to its original state sans update… so if yours is not working after a firmware upgrade attempt, i’d recommend trying to disconnect it and the headunits power… still don’t know how to get this damn firmware upgrade working though…
May 11th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
IHi Hal, thanks for such an informative page!
I got my icelink 2nd hand, it was originally configured for a Sony, but I have a Kenwood HU. I cleared the firmware using the file in your blog’s zip file and reconfigured for the Kenwood. It worked……….however I tried to be a clever clogs and update it to 2.17 hoping that it would give me a few more of the features (I did this in one step, without progressing through all of the updates). I can’t access the CD changer function now, my ipod says firmware version is 2.17 but I can only access the tuner option. I have tried clearing the firmware and reconfiguring for the Kenwood (downgrading back to version 2.10) but even though it looked like it had worked, it’s still showing version 2.17 and I still can’t access the CD changer function. Have I cooked it? What else can I try?
May 16th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Hi,
I am trying to get an Ice Link Plus to work in a Honda Civic 2003 (Pioneer HU). I have managed to switch Ice Links between cars before by updating the config, but I cannot find one for the Honda on the Dension site?
Any help would be greatly appreciated – this was a birthday present for my sister two months ago and is just starting to get to the painfully embarassing stage!
Cheers
May 18th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Hi Andy – I think you should be looking for the Pioneer config if this is an aftermarket HU, only use the Honda variant if the HU came with the car as a factory fit. If you can’t find a Honda config (and I don’t think I’ve got one here) then try the Pioneer version anyway.
Have you had a look at the Dension site where it gives a matrix of the different files you can get? What about the Tomtek site?
May 19th, 2008 at 6:27 am
Cheers Hal,
It is a factory HU that I think is made by Pioneer. Do you have a Pioneer config on your site? I have written to Dension support, but don’t hold out much hope.
Top site BTW – better than all the Dension support team put together!
Andy
May 20th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
I thought I did, but I was thinking of the Panasonic one… sorry! I’ll have a hunt round for a Pioneer version, but will probably check the same places that you would anyway :-/
Thanks for the comp., too
June 20th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
After a car service when the battery was disconnected, my iPod classic would no longer play anything other than playlists, much to my frustration as until then I had been using the iPod GUI (on a Becker SatNav, and using v2.14 of the Dension software). Impossible to get it to go into the Dension menu, and impossible to switch back to the Apple GUI.
So, first of all thanks to all here for giving the links to the latest sw updates!
After a few frustrating attempts, I realised that updating to the latest version (2.18) was going to take longer than the 5 minutes at first indicated on the display when I started the update procedure. In fact, it took more than 2 hours to play all the tracks in the update — luckily I was able to do this in a closed garage as it meant leaving the car with the ignition on!
However, it’s now working fine again, as far as I can see, and I’m able to switch between the 2 interfaces simply by selecting playlist/disc 6.
FWIW, I made a playlist “1 Dension” in iTunes into which I dragged the contents of the sw pdate, including the start update track.
Then, with the iPod not connected to the head unit, I selected and started to play the “start update” track, connected the iPod, selected playlist/disc 1, and left it alone for the rest of the morning.
When I came back, I disconnected the iPod, switched off the ignition, switched it back on again, recycled the HU power off/on, and that was about it.
Hoping this might help anyone.
John
June 21st, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Mark
Thanks for the tip with playing the Start_Update track. I’d been having the same problems. The update went fine and the ice>Link reset. When I reconnected my iPhone, however, the functionality didn’t change. I still get the ‘Accessory Attached’ screen and can’t browse my library like you can. Selecting disk 6 doesn’t seem to do anything. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Simon
July 1st, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Hi Simon, yes I had that to start with and I can’t remember exactly what I did but I think it was as simple as restarting iPhone and restarting the Dension i.e. unplugging it from car battery for a few minutes to reset it. Then it recognizes the iPhone afresh. Try that as you must get it working as its fantastic having phone and ipod functions in one with Supertooth Light Bluetooth Handsfree to answer calls for you, 30 quid from Amazon. With 3G and GPS/Tomtom coming I can ditch my original TomTom as well
August 15th, 2008 at 5:38 am
Just went through a nightmare trying to update the firmware! Not a big surprise from what I have been reading. I have a 2001 Mercedes C320 and am running the 2.07 version of the firmware with the ice link plus d2b. Not too many problems with it, but I wanted to know if you knew the latest version of firmware that supports the mercedes/kenwood head unit. I loaded 2.18 then 2.15 in the hopes of getting better functionality out my 5g video, but they were no go’s for my head unit. So, I went back to old faithful 2.07. I would assume just keep reloading updates until they stop working…duh, but I live in a high rise apartment and getting to the car is not too easy for me. Any clue as to the the last Mercedes supported update?
August 25th, 2008 at 10:34 am
Ok – thanks to lots of help from the online community, I have come up with some good info on installing the ICE>LINK Plus in my X5 2002 so it works…Hope this helps someone, feel free to email me at roger(removethisandput@)rogerfarley.co.uk.
Basically, there are 2 MAIN icelink plus versions, V2 and V4.
V2 firmware works with V2 (flat shrink wrapped icelink module)
V4 firmware works with V4 (rectangular black box with yellow output cable)
You need to get the firmware from
http://www.dension.com/dension_apple_matrix.html
there is new firmware from February 2008 to update Icelink plus V2 and V4
You HAVE to get the version for your car/head unit (obviously!)
BMW – No SETUP menu? You need the BMW_TEXT_TO_NAV.MP3 file fomr DENSION (I have it too if anyone needs it – email me). Play it on the pod then put pod into dension.
Maybe not clear? Email me I’ll try to help (or leave comments here – I’ll keep my eye on it as it frustrated me no end !)
September 5th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
im having increasingly frustrating problems trying to update my ice link. it says im running v4.13 for vw in my 2001 seat ibiza and i want to upgrade to 4.16 as i cant acess the ipod UI menu as its skips past it.
ive tryed updating with ipod mini and ipod classic, tryed clearing the ice link with the config file which worked ok but no matter how many times i try to update, it just doesnt work.
all i wanna do is use the ipod ui!! can you help me?
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:57 pm
nyces 2free – have you tried contacting Dension at all? They may well have an updated firmware or suggestions of how to move forward. I’m afraid I don’t have any experience of v4.13 or 4.16, and, unless others chip in, I don’t think we can help!
November 1st, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Hi All,
Here’s some feedback from my recent experience. It is a golf Mk 5, with an 80GB ipod clasic (with latest software) and an ebay purchased ice link plus.
My problem was I could not access the Dension UI menu system. I could play music and advance/retard tracks, but that was it.
I tried several versions of firmware and none would upgrade. They would get 5-10 ‘tracks’ through and crash out back to the first alphabetic song on the ipod.
I contacted Dension support via their website and they were responsive and helpful, however, they didn’t solve it.
They did point out there are two versions of the ice link plus and you need to use the right software version. You can tell easily when the DENSION UI starts when you dock your ipod – the top right window in mine read version 4-4.15, so I needed v4.xx firmware. Otherwise it is v2.xx firmware. It is also on the sticker on the DENSION unit if you want to disassemble your car again.
Eventually I removed everything from the ipod and reinstalled just the upgrade firmware and HEY PRESTO it worked! I’ve no idea why my ipod wouldn’t work right when loaded with all the tracks.
I had resisted this as I thought it might be onerous in itunes but it was easy. With your ipod connected to your PC and itunes running, in the sync part tick ‘manually manage music and videos’ and take it from there, it is quite simple. when finished you untick this and itunes then resyncs your library.
Hope this helps!
Mark
January 23rd, 2009 at 4:53 pm
I’m after a V4.xx firmware for BMW (4.Bx) without the “improvements” for the latest iPods (I have a 4GB Mini) – can anyone help?
Also which V2.xx firmware should I use for Kenwood head unit?
Thanks,
Martin
February 13th, 2009 at 8:15 am
Having read through all these comments I was worried about trying to update my firmware. However I took the plunge, and did the following, and it worked FIRST TIME, going from firmware 2.05 to 2.18:
1. Set iTunes to manually “manually manage music & videos”
1. Restored my Ipod to factory settings using iTunes. This removes all the music etc.
2. Copied all the update files (800+) for 2.18 firmware to iTunes, including the M3U playlist files (drag that into the playlists section)
3. Manually copied these files from iTunes to my Ipod (drag onto Ipod on left hand side)
4. Played the “Start Update” track
5. Plugged my Ipod into the Ice Link cradle
Update took approx 2-3 minutes, it went through Tracks 1-99 on my head unit display (2008 Audi RNS-E Satnav head unit).
I now have 2.18 firmware, and am putting all my music back on my Ipod. Works perfectly!
February 20th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Can someone please post a link to v4.15 of the firmware of the ICE>LINK Plus if you have it. I upgraded to v4.16 and have a 5g ipod but then I read that this is only for the newer ipods. I can’t access the setup menu at all and pressing 6 switches to the ipod ui.
March 1st, 2009 at 8:52 am
Hi, I have icelink plus and bmw e46 bussines tape. I can not see song text in my radio (i can read RDS and radio station names) I tried to make it active from disc 6 menu but when it says select disc3 i select but nothing happens.So i decided to update firmware but first of all i don’t know which version will i choose? v2 or v4 also i dont know my version too. i installed vers v2b for bmw and copied all the files(about 600) i ve followed the instructions i went to my car opened the radio,but didnt plugged to icelink, started playing start update.mp3 then plugged the ipod to icelink but update didnt started radio started to playing my songs also same thing happened in the showing headunit to icelink nothing happens and it starts to play songs. I dont know what to do please help me.
March 24th, 2009 at 2:39 am
Very nice site!
May 9th, 2009 at 1:18 am
I have also an ice>Link plus v4 and I upgraded from 4.13 to 4.16 and now by pressing Disc6 I cannot access the setup menu. I have opened a ticket at Dension and I will keep you posted. Maybe the best solution is to roll back to my original f/w if I manage to find it online or if Dension is kind enough to send it to me. My original motivation in upgrading was the suspicion that I might get rid of some stumbling that ice>Link has when more than one tracks are skipped but it seems that this problem has not been solved.
May 10th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Answer:
Dension replied immediately to my request and told me that ice>Plus v4-4.16 has been designed for newer iPods and if I wanted to see the Dension UI on my iPod mini I should either downgrade to v4-4.15 or use some configuration files that adjust the parameters (charging, output level, etc.).
Please find ice>Link plus f/w v4-4.15 here:
http://rapidshare.com/files/231503941/ICE_PLUS_UPDATE_4-15.ZIP.html
May 10th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Please also find here the configuration mp3 files for changing the parameters on ice>Link plus when the iPod does not support displaying the Dension UI.
These parameters concern way of charging the iPod, output level, random playing, menu displaying, etc.
May 10th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Please also find here the configuration mp3 files for changing the parameters on ice>Link plus when the iPod does not support displaying the Dension UI.
These parameters concern way of charging the iPod, output level, random playing, menu displaying, etc.
http://rapidshare.com/files/231505236/Config_Files_ILP_V4.zip.html
May 11th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Hi Nikos – great info… many thanks! Will that download link be available indefinitely, or are you planning on removing the content from there any time soon?
February 27th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Hi! I just bought a Gateway 300 on ebay. The unit worked but was not displaying the id tags. I wasn’t sure of the unit I have since it doesn’t say it on it,I installed the V1 firmware. I later on realized that mine is the V2 since it doesn’t have the yellow audio cable.
Now my unit doesnt boot up anymore. Ive installed the V2 firmware, it gets deleted from the stick but nothing else happens. The radio doesn’t detect the device.
Is there a special file I can use to fix it? Im using a BMW E46 Business Radio, with an external hard disk (my ipod died).
Thank you!
February 27th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
Hi Ray – I’m sorry, but I have no experience of the gateway devices, only the ICE>Link… and no idea what firmware you’ll need. There is a car audio specialist in my town who deals with the Dension devices, and regularly fits them to cars for the main dealers around here. If you’ve got someone similar in your area it would be well worth your while getting in touch to see if they can recommend anything (apart from to buy something of theirs instead, that is). What did Dension say when you asked them about it?
February 27th, 2010 at 11:40 pm
hi! i bought and installed an ice link plus v2 in my 2004 honda accord. it worked great and was able to toggle between cd and cdc (via the cd/aux button) on my accord head unit. i decided to remove the ipod and load the 2.18 update (from dension) via itunes on my pc. i reconnected my ipod to the ice link and went through the udate process. now for the bad news, my head unit is perfectly fine except i can’t access the cdc function from the cd/aux button to play my ipod. would the firmware cause my honda head unit to malfunction? what happened to my installation? it was good before the update, but afterwards no good. please help! thx!
February 28th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
as a follow up to my message above…i believe my H/U is no longer recognizing the icelink. did i break my icelink from maybe improperly installing the firmware? how do i know if my icelink is dead?
February 28th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
i think i fixed it. some digging revealed that honda-a is for a 6th gen accord. i have a 7th gen (2003-2007) accord which is a honda-b. so i downloaded the 3.05 firmware and low and behold it appears to have cleared out my 2.18 and now i have functionality once again
the only thing now is my wiring harness is a little goofy in that it affects the balance if moved…meaning i lose sound on the left side 
let’s see if i can’t work around that somehow. my question now is, how do i control from the ipod itself?
April 7th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Hi!
I was hoping some one could help me with the configuration files for my Ice Link Plus. I am looking for the TextConfigFiles.zip file to enable text and figure out a way to enable the menu.
I have successfully upgraded to 2.B5 using the firmware from the Dension site.
However, now when I press ’6′ I only go from Ipod UI to Dension UI back and forth. But no IceLink Menu. I cannot get it to show no matter what I try. I have read that I would need a couple of configuration files (Text to Radio.mp3) in order to enable the menu and the text display (currently disabled). I have googled, I have searched for the files without success (TextConfigFiles.zip). Please!
David
April 7th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
That is, for a Bmw e46! Thanks again
May 30th, 2010 at 3:47 am
Hello
just wanted to thank everyone here for the discussion – really helped me alot.
Just FYI I have an Icelink plus 2 in an Audi a4. I managed to upgrade the firmware to 2.18 but after the restart the icelink was non responsive- stuck on loading cdc1
a couple of days trying to clear the config or reload the firmware or a prior version I thought the unit was “bricked”.
Last ditch effort – I pulled the unit out, disconnected it and reconnected and voilà – all working fine. Firmware 2.18 and iPhone 3g in total harmony – and full control from iPod.